Published: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 11:45 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 11:45 a.m.

Several dozen people applied for the position, said Clark Hipp, WDI's board chairman. Although they accepted applications through Friday, the search committee has already narrowed the list to six and will conduct phone interviews.

After that, the committee plans to bring the finalists in for in-person interviews with the executive board. Ultimately, WDI hopes to announce the replacement in September, Hipp said.

Hipp said the board wants WDI's next leader to have a broad range of economic development skills.

So the leader can spend more time on that front, the board has funded a community manager job, which would be the organization's second full-time position. That person will handle downtown events and coordinate efforts with other groups.

"The hope is that the executive director is out there beating the bushes from an economic development standpoint," Hipp said.

The community manager will also coordinate a partnership campaign that will focus on raising funds from downtown businesses and residents.

Hinnant, who has been with the organization for six years, announced he was resigning in June to focus on commercial real estate. His last day is expected to be Aug. 30.

<p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9936"><b>Wilmington Downtown Inc.</b></a> leaders are moving forward in their search to replace outgoing president and CEO <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9938"><b>John Hinnant</b></a>.</p><p>Several dozen people applied for the position, said Clark Hipp, WDI's board chairman. Although they accepted applications through Friday, the search committee has already narrowed the list to six and will conduct phone interviews.</p><p>After that, the committee plans to bring the finalists in for in-person interviews with the executive board. Ultimately, WDI hopes to announce the replacement in September, Hipp said.</p><p>WDI, a public-private partnership, promotes economic growth and cultural activities and events in downtown Wilmington.</p><p>Hipp said the board wants WDI's next leader to have a broad range of economic development skills. </p><p>So the leader can spend more time on that front, the board has funded a community manager job, which would be the organization's second full-time position. That person will handle downtown events and coordinate efforts with other groups.</p><p>"The hope is that the executive director is out there beating the bushes from an economic development standpoint," Hipp said. </p><p>The community manager will also coordinate a partnership campaign that will focus on raising funds from downtown businesses and residents. </p><p>Hinnant, who has been with the organization for six years, announced he was resigning in June to focus on commercial real estate. His last day is expected to be Aug. 30.</p><p>Julian March: 343-2099</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @julian_march</p>